Attractive hotels; splendid neoclassical architecture; spacious squares; broad, tree-lined streets and the ever-present scent of olive, orange and lemon from the banks of the Eurotas River; this is Sparta!

The city lies in a green valley, watched over by the famous Castle of Mystras and flanked by two mountains. The jagged crags and ridges and anduntempered beauty of MountTaygetos rise up on one side and the striking, fur-coveredMount Parnonas on the other.

Built on the exact same stomping ground of the mighty Spartans, Sparta has changed hands a number of times since the glory days ofthese legendary warriors; both the Romans and the Byzantines have left their inimitable mark too. The “House of Europe”, with its magnificent mosaics, the Archaeological Museum and the statue ofSpartan King Leonidas are good starting points as you set your sights on the city’s numerous attractions. If a little insight on local traditions is to your taste, you might also want to add a visit to The Museum of Olive and Greek Olive Oil.

And between the sightseeing, you can stroll along to one of a wide variety of cafés, bars and restaurants to enjoy the local specialties made from homegrown ingredients.